Northwood Life – The Mirror

Two Northwood Alumni Named to Olympic Teams

January 26, 2026 by Jack Kroll

Photo by US Ski Team.

On Thursday, January 22, the US Ski Team announced its team for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. US Ski Jumper and Lake Placid Local and former Northwood student Tate Frantz was among those named to the team. And on January 26, Team Canada announced that ski cross athlete Kevin Drury ’06 would represent Canada in his third Olympics.

Frantz started jumping at the age of 9, but his Olympic dreams stretch back much further. “Since my first time on skis at the age of two, I’ve dreamt of having the honor to take part in the holy grail of sports,” said Frantz on his Instagram when he announced his naming to the team.

“I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet, but when I take a second to think, or look at my post or all the messages, I realize how freaking cool it is. I’m so beyond excited and proud of the work and years behind it.”

Frantz attended Northwood for a year in 2020-21. He then took the leap, moving to Norway to hone his skills. Then, 2 years later, he returned to Lake Placid in 2023 to make his World Cup debut.

Since then, Frantz has established himself on the World Cup circuit, racking up three Top 10s and a 14th-place finish at the World Championships in 2025. He also took home three medals in the 2025 Junior World Championships here in Lake Placid.

Kevin Drury ’06 (File/Getty Images)

At 37, Drury is set to compete in his third Olympic Winter Games. He narrowly missed the podium at the PyeongChang 2018 Games, finishing fourth in the big final. After several injury-affected seasons, Drury returned to top form last year, earning five World Cup podium finishes following a nearly three-year drought. In December, he captured his first World Cup victory since February 2020, marking his 19th career podium. Drury previously claimed the Crystal Globe in the 2019–20 season, one year after winning bronze at the FIS World Championships.

“I’m incredibly honored to represent Canada in a third Olympics,” Drury said in a statement released by Team Canada. “Really excited to finish my career with the opportunity to win a medal. For first-time Olympians, my advice is to take it all in, have fun, and enjoy the experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, though I guess in my case it’s three in a lifetime, which I still can’t believe. “

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports, Top Story

Northwood Robotics Team Prepares for New Season

January 25, 2026 by Jacob Slagel

Northwood’s Robotics Team has begun preparing for the 2026 season with a new competition that combines familiar challenges with updated rules and game elements. Early in the season, the team focused on planning and building a practice setup to better understand the field before committing to a final robot design.

Robotics teacher Mr. Jeffrey Martin said this year’s competition is unique because it brings together elements from past games under an archaeology-themed challenge. “First Robotics is focusing on an archeological theme,” Martin said. “So, they’ve actually pulled all of the old game elements together into one game.”

Orrin Tracy-Deuss ’27 in the robotic lab at the Innovation Hub on Main Street. Photo: Jacob Slagel ’26.

One of the main scoring tasks involves collecting “fuel,” which Martin described as hard foam balls about six inches in diameter. Robots must pick them up and shoot them into a hexagonal funnel target that stands about 6 feet high. While the concept is similar to past challenges, Martin said differences in size and weight mean the robot will require new programming and mechanical adjustments.

The game also includes a human player role. According to Martin, a student can score fuel by throwing it into the funnel during matches. This adds another strategic layer and requires coordination between the robot and the human player.

Field obstacles will play a significant role in robot design this year. Martin said the drive train must be engineered to handle changes in angle, speed, and power to navigate the course effectively. “Obstacles are challenging, so we have to engineer our drive train so that it gets the right angles and the right speed and the right power,” he said.

The most demanding element of the competition may be the endgame climb. Teams must climb a three-level ladder, which Martin described as the most complicated challenge. He said the team is considering a ratcheting system and has already begun discussing design ideas. Despite the difficulty, Martin said he has been impressed with the group so far and believes they are up for the challenge.

Students said the new competition feels more complex than last year’s. Orrin Tracy Deuss ’27 said the game includes more parts and rules, even though there are fewer overall goals. “I think compared to last year, it’s got a lot more parts to it and a lot more rules to think about during the game,” Tracy Deuss said.

Instead of immediately building robot components, the team has prioritized constructing a practice field. Tracy Deuss said this step is important for understanding dimensions and objective placement before completing the robot’s specifications. “We’ve been really focusing on constructing a practice field for when we have a robot to test around on,” he said.

Flo Richard ’26 said the new season has encouraged more collaboration among students. “Since it’s a different project than the last one in the fall, we have a lot of problem-solving to do, and I think that’s a good thing,” Richard said. “It makes it exciting and makes us want to collaborate more in class.”

Other students described the season in simpler terms. Will Wong ’27 said the new competition is “exciting” and said he is looking forward to seeing how the season develops.

As the team moves from planning to building and testing, the coming weeks will focus on turning ideas into working mechanisms, especially for fuel intake, shooting accuracy, and the three-level climb. Martin said he is encouraged by how the team has started the season and is confident in their ability to compete.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports, Top Story

ADK Science Class Attends Aerials World Cup

January 25, 2026 by Owen MacLean

The FIS Freestyle Skiing Aerials World Cup was in Lake Placid on January 11-12. It was originally supposed to be in Utah, but due to climate change, it was relocated to Lake Placid. This was the final World Cup event before the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. This was a critical event for the athletes before they head to Cortina, Italy, to compete for a gold medal.

Aerials are one of the most exciting winter sports to watch. Athletes perform crazy flips and twists trying to get the highest score based on their form, air, and landing. The higher the difficulty of the trick, the higher the score.

Ms. Fagan’s ADK classes had the opportunity to watch the men’s and women’s freestyle finals on Monday afternoon. For most students, this was the first time they had seen an event like this in person. “It was one of the coolest events I have ever seen, and I was so glad we did this trip as a class.” Said Devin Smith 26′

The events featured some high-flying tricks and two first-time World Cup winners on the podium. On the women’s side, Michigan native, Kaila Kuhn, won with a score of 105.60 by completing a back-full-full-full. Kuhn is on the US national team and headed to Italy. In second place was reigning Olympic Champion Mengtao Xu from China, and in third was Danielle Scott from Australia. On the men’s side, 20-year-old Li Xinpeng from China won the event with a massive back full-double-full-double-full, scoring 137.19 points. A huge margin of win over his teammate Wang Xindi, who scored 112.0 points, and Canadian Miha Fontaine, with 107.73 points, in third place. “I thought the winners definitely had the best technique and control. They were not going for a ton of air like the other athletes, and they performed their tricks with a lot of precision. Especially Xinpeng that day, he was on another level compared to the rest of the field.” Stated Smith.

Attending school in Lake Placid offers great opportunities to see elite athletes compete at Olympic venues. This experience has gotten students excited to watch the upcoming Olympics. “I’m really excited after getting to see these athletes in person to watch them on the big stage.” Said Smith. The Olympic Winter Games will be happening from February 6-22, 2026.

Photos by Ms. Marcy Fagan

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Humans of Northwood: Kevin Betsch ’26

January 25, 2026 by Andrew Sherland

“Being an identical twin is extremely interesting. Besides people calling me Cody, I actually enjoy it. The thing I take away most from my relationship with Cody is competitiveness. We are always trying to get better, faster, and stronger than each other, so by doing this, we both improve. I have been blessed with the opportunity to play hockey my whole life with my best friend right beside me, and Northwood has bolstered our relationship.

“My favorite hockey memory is winning USA Hockey Nationals in my 15-year-old year. I felt like I was on top of the world. Being able to share this experience with some of my closest friends and brothers was amazing, and I’d give anything to go back to that moment. The following year, we lost in the semifinals at Nationals, and it was a very tough loss to process, because we knew what it was like to win the whole thing.

“Originally, I was nervous about coming to Northwood, just because it was a new place and I had played hockey in California for my entire life. However, I was coming with Cody, my twin brother, and Henry Kress ’26, two of my best friends from the LA Jr. Kings team. This made the adjustment process much easier for me, because I was not alone.

“Northwood has given me so many outlets in hockey, academics, and life. I have built lasting relationships with my peers and faculty that I will carry with me after I graduate. My favorite memories from Northwood are, for the most part, the common things, like playing Teqball with the boys during open gym. It is these little moments that build unbreakable bonds, and I love it so much. With only a few months left of the hockey season, I am going to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way!”

As told to Andrew Sherland ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Mikey Mezzetti ‘26

January 25, 2026 by Gavin Kruger

“A piece of life advice I would give to someone is to enjoy what you have and not take things for granted.

“If I had to choose between skiing and biking, it would be tough because I feel they go hand in hand with each other. But in the end, I would choose skiing just because the risk is lower. How do they go hand in hand? I feel like Skiing and mountain biking both have such a connection to the mountains. They both wind through the trees and the harsh mountain environments. Also, both sports provide adrenaline and the connection with your equipment that pushes you to go further and faster.

“I think my dad has been the most important person who has helped me during my time in Northwood. Firstly, he helped me decide to go to Northwood for a better education and the opportunities it offers. He also supported my decision to play soccer year-round instead of doing both ski racing and soccer, which was a significant turning point during my time at Northwood because I had done both my entire life, and giving up one felt like giving up a piece of myself.

“I’m a person who is 50/50 if pineapple belongs on pizza. It really depends on what I’m in the mood for.

“Something about me that not a lot of people know is that I used to be a pretty good lacrosse player in my old school.”

As told to Gavin Kruger ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Parker Thompson ’26

January 25, 2026 by Owen MacLean

“I am from Akwesasne, New York, about an hour away from Northwood. It is right on the border of New York and Ontario. Before I came here, I played for a team in Ontario called the Hawkesbury Hawks.

“My favorite artist depends on how I am feeling in the day, but of everyone, it has to be Post Malone.

“Definitely my favorite place to eat in town is Soulshine. For home games, my pregame routine is usually walk into town and go there.

“I chose Northwood because it was the first prep school I visited, and I fell in love with it when I toured. I then got to skate with the prep team, and after my skate, Coach Mallaro told me I had a spot on the team for the next year, so it was a straightforward decision.

“My favorite part about Northwood is all the different things you get to experience, like LEAP, which you can only experience here. As well as all the people you meet and how close you become to them.

“My best memory has to be all the team dinners and bus rides with my teammates. They are unforgettable experiences that have given me the best memories that will last the rest of my life.

“My plans after Northwood are to play junior hockey for two years. I then want to go to college and pursue a degree in business.

“The best advice for anyone coming here is to enjoy whatever happens here and don’t take anything for granted. My three years have flown by, and I wish I could experience it all over again.”

As told to Owen MacLean ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Alexander Darby ‘26

January 23, 2026 by Yosef Spear

“I am from a few places: Singapore, Dubai, England, and Poland. I am on the U19 soccer team here at Northwood, and this is my second-year attending. My favorite hobbies include hanging out with my family, playing soccer, watching soccer, and watching soccer with my dad.

“During my off weekends at Northwood, I like to go into town with friends, eat some nice Chinese food, go to the movies, play video games, and relax. Right now, I live in Dubai. When I am home during breaks, I spend time with family and friends, along with training for soccer. Some of my favorite memories of Northwood have not always been when I get a good grade, but when I am spending time with the people I enjoy being around. It is always an enjoyable time with my friends.

“Something people would not know about me is that I am fluent in Mandarin. I also like video games. My favorite video game must be FIFA; it is a childhood one that always sticks with me. My friends and I often play FIFA in my room during our free time. One of my favorite things about Northwood is my room. Throughout both of my years here, I have had a big TV in my room, and the layout is nice, so my friends spend a lot of time there playing FIFA, Rocket League, or just vibing.

“After high school, I want to go to college and get a good degree while playing collegiate soccer. My dream has been to play professional soccer, and I have been playing my whole life. My father is a huge soccer fan, so I grew up going to games and watching professional soccer. On another note, I would like to follow in my parents’ footsteps for my career outside of soccer.”

As told to Yosef Spear ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Andrew Sherland ’26

January 23, 2026 by Parker Thompson

“Northwood’s academic and athletic development is top-notch, as well as the community. When I toured, I felt instantly welcome from students and faculty. That alone made my decision clear that Northwood is the spot for me.

“What I am going to miss about Northwood is truly the community. I know it sounds cliché, but everyone here pulling towards you for your very best is something I am going to miss. And also, things like playing outside with friends on the grass, like Spike Ball or the competitive Teq Ball games down at the indoor turf.

“My experience here has been nothing short of amazing, and I still have a couple of months left to make the absolute most of it with some of my best friends. The lessons I learned from hockey and the social life at Northwood will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“After Northwood, I want to play college hockey and play professionally. If that does not work out, I want to get into sports marketing/business and hopefully in the NHL or another pro sports team.”

As told to Parker Thompson ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Ben White ’26

January 23, 2026 by Nate Benjamin

“I came from Chatham, New Jersey, hearing about this school last year. I learned there was a freestyle ski team at Northwood, and I was very excited to join and attend this private school.

“When I came to this school at the beginning of this year, everyone was very welcoming. I was able to meet a lot of new friends and people. I saw the great amount of school spirit everyone showed, and the transition from Fusion Academy wasn’t too bad, either, thanks to everyone here.

“Something I have to say is to keep taking small steps, and you’ll end up in a place you’re happy in. Just keep on moving, meeting new people, and work to keep your goals in sight, and get good grades. If you keep these objectives in mind, everything will work out.

“When I leave Northwood, my goal is to get into electrical engineering. Then, after getting my degree, my goal is to become a quantitative analyst at a good firm and get pretty good money. But right now, I am going to become a postgraduate and ski for an extra year before leaving for university.”

As told to Nathaniel Benjamin ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Loelie Lachapelle ’26

January 23, 2026 by Anna Monette

“One of my secret talents is drawing. It is not much of a secret anymore because most people know how much I love it, but it is also something I love to do that people do not expect from me. Drawing keeps me busy when I am bored and gives me a way to relax and express myself creatively.

“I started playing hockey when I was four years old because I wanted to be the first female hockey player in the NHL. When I told my dad, he said hockey was a boys’ sport, and I think after that, something inside me was motivated to prove him wrong. That mindset has stuck with me ever since and continues to push me to work hard.

“I like Northwood because it has given me the chance to grow as an independent person. Being away from home helped me become more confident and responsible, and it also allowed me to connect with people in ways that were harder for me back home.

“The quote I live by is Wayne Gretzky’s famous saying, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ This applies to my everyday life, especially when I am unsure whether or not to take a risk. It reminds me that you only grow when you step outside your comfort zone.

“My favorite meal at Northwood is definitely the beef tacos.

“Next year, I plan to continue both my education and hockey career at Boston University, where I hope to study architecture. Playing Division 1 hockey has always been a dream of mine, and I am incredibly excited to be a part of the BU hockey program. I am looking forward to this next chapter.”

As told to Anna Monette ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.